Who is invited to participate in The Lord’s Supper at Bethany?
All who confess their sins, are living in a true spirit of repentance, and are trusting solely in Jesus Christ for forgiveness are invited to His Table. You do not have to be an official member of our congregation. All believers are welcome.
What about children participating in The Lord’s Supper?
We believe that little children can know and love the Lord (Luke 18:16-17). However, Scripture indicates that those who receive The Lord’s Supper must be able to "examine themselves" (1 Corinthians 11:27). One of the purposes of our Confirmation program is to enable young people to understand the Law and the Gospel, and so become able to examine themselves before the Lord. In deference to this practice, we ask that children wait until completion of Confirmation before receiving the Lord's Supper.
Children are invited to take one of the Bible verses from the tray as a means of God's grace to them at this service.
High school age young people (as well as adults) who have not been confirmed in our church but who confess Jesus Christ as Savior are welcome to receive The Lord’s Supper.
What do you believe about The Lord’s Supper?
We believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ. Receiving The Lord’s Supper is not merely a symbolic action, but an event in which Jesus shares His body and blood with us (Matthew 26:26-28). The bread and wine (Bethany serves grape juice) do not change physically but are a means through which Jesus gives Himself to us spiritually and assures us of His forgiveness. All who confess this need for assurance and forgiveness, and who come to His Supper in repentance and with reverence are "worthy" to receive (1 Cor. 11:27-29).